Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed, prolapse, or form painful clots (thrombosis). Under the May 2024 criteria they are rated 10 or 20 percent based on bleeding with anemia, prolapse, and how many thrombosis episodes occur per year.
How the VA rates it
The May 19, 2024 revision rewrote DC 7336. The old 'mild or moderate' 0 percent tier was eliminated - the schedule now lists only 10 and 20 percent tiers, keyed to thrombosis episode counts, prolapse, and persistent bleeding with anemia. The 20 percent maximum is unchanged, but the criteria are now objective and countable instead of descriptive.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 20%Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes of thrombosis per year.
Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or fewer episodes of thrombosis per year; or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes of thrombosis per year.
Secondary condition strategy
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — Chronic diarrhea, constipation, and straining from IBS or other bowel conditions can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Get each thrombosed hemorrhoid episode documented by a provider with a date - the rating now literally counts episodes per year.
- If you have chronic bleeding, ask for a CBC lab test; bleeding plus documented anemia is what supports 20 percent.
- A colonoscopy or anoscopy report describing prolapse ('grade III/IV' internal hemorrhoids) is strong evidence of the continuous prolapse element.
- If leakage or loss of bowel control is your bigger problem, ask about rating under DC 7332 (sphincter impairment), which goes up to 100 percent.
Rating rules to know
DC 7336 is NOT on the digestive no-combining list, so a hemorrhoid rating can be combined with ratings for intestinal conditions such as IBS - but the same symptoms cannot be counted twice (38 CFR 4.14).
Related diagnostic codes
More digestive conditions
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is chronic acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Since May 19, 2024 it has its own diagnostic code (7206) and is rated on esophageal stricture criteria - how badly documented narrowing of the esophagus affects swallowing and what treatment it requires.
Rated up to 80%
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing abdominal pain tied to bowel movements, with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or urgency. Since the May 2024 revision it is rated 10, 20, or 30 percent based on how often pain related to defecation occurs.
Rated up to 30%
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is tissue bulging through a weak spot in the groin wall. Since May 2024, DC 7338 covers all abdominal wall hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, ventral, incisional - but not hiatal) and rates 0 to 100 percent based on whether the hernia is irreparable, its size, and pain during daily activities.
Rated up to 100%
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease is open sores in the stomach or duodenum causing abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding. The May 2024 revision consolidated the old separate gastric, duodenal, and marginal ulcer codes into a single DC 7304 rated on episode frequency, bleeding, and hospitalization.
Rated up to 100%
Gallbladder Disease (Chronic Biliary Tract Disease)
Chronic gallbladder and biliary tract disease causes recurring attacks of right-upper-abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Since May 2024, DC 7314 covers chronic biliary tract disease broadly and rates 0, 10, or 30 percent based on documented attack frequency over the past 12 months.
Rated up to 30%
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall, causing attacks of abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white counts. Since May 2024, DC 7327 has its own criteria rated 0, 20, or 30 percent based on hospitalizations and complications.
Rated up to 30%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.